At Horizons Academy, teaching is designed to be predictable, engaging, and ambitious, so that every learner feels safe, supported, and challenged to succeed.

We know many of our pupils have experienced disrupted education or negative experiences of learning. That’s why our approach combines trauma-aware practice, high expectations, and evidence-based teaching methods.

Our intent

We want every lesson at Horizons Academy to:

  • Provide stability through clear routines and structure
  • Promote engagement through purposeful, well-sequenced learning
  • Support growth by helping pupils know more, remember more, and do more over time
  • Build confidence and independence, so pupils can take pride in their learning

Our implementation

We use a simple model called “I do, We do, You do”:

  • I do – the teacher explains and models new learning
  • We do – the class practises together with support
  • You do – learners apply learning independently, with scaffolds as needed

 

Horizons’ 12 strands of DNA for teaching and learning

Every lesson is built around 12 non-negotiables — our Horizons DNA — which guarantees consistency and quality across the school:

  1. Clear routines – predictable starts and finishes
  2. Strong starts – retrieval or review activity to activate learning
  3. Explicit instruction – clear explanations and modelling
  4. Purposeful questioning – checking understanding for all pupils
  5. Responsive adaptation – lessons adjusted in real time
  6. Inclusive participation – every pupil engaged and supported to take part
  7. Literacy focus – reading, writing, and discussion embedded across subjects
  8. Numeracy focus – regular application of maths across the curriculum
  9. Vocabulary teaching – key words introduced, explained, and revisited
  10. Purposeful practice – guided and independent practice to build fluency
  11. Feedback for progress – specific, actionable feedback in the moment
  12. Positive relationships and ambition – high expectations within a safe, supportive environment

Teaching approaches

  • Staff use Rosenshine’s Principles of Instruction, adapted for SEMH and autism
  • Learning is broken into small steps with frequent retrieval to aid memory
  • Lessons are designed to reduce cognitive overload and build confidence
  • Adaptive teaching ensures pupils are challenged and supported at the right level

Our impact

We measure the effectiveness of teaching by looking at:

  • Learning – pupils can recall and apply knowledge over time
  • Engagement – lessons are calm, purposeful, and enjoyable
  • Progress – pupils meet EHCP and ILP targets, as well as academic milestones
  • Confidence – pupils develop independence, resilience, and pride in their work

 

Why this matters for our pupils?

For many children, disrupted education or past negative experiences can make learning feel unpredictable or unsafe. The Horizons DNA provide a calm, consistent approach so pupils know what to expect and can focus on learning.

Teachers use evidence-based methods like Rosenshine’s Principles of Instruction, alongside trauma-informed strategies, to ensure every pupil knows more, remembers more, and can do more over time.

 

Parent view

For families, this means you can be confident that:

  • Every lesson at Horizons follows the same high standards.
  • Your child will be supported through clear structures and positive relationships.
  • Small steps of success are celebrated, building confidence and resilience.
    Literacy, numeracy, and personal growth are woven through everything we do.